Method and connection unit for sterile transfer of solution via a connector
First Claim
1. A method for the sterile transfer of a solution from a first location associated with a penetrating element to a second location through a connector having an inlet, said method comprising maintaining said penetrating element and said inlet of said connector within a common bore, sterilizing said common bore by flowing a sterilizing solution around said common bore, penetrating said sterilized inlet by said sterilized penetrating element so as to transfer said solution from said first location to said second location through said connector, and sealing at least a portion of said sterilized common bore with said inlet of said connector during said penetrating step.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods for the sterile transfer of a solution are disclosed, including sterilizing the inlet to a connector by flowing a sterilizing fluid around the connector inlet, sterilizing a penetrating element for the connector by flowing a sterilizing solution around the penetrating element, and penetrating the sterilized inlet by the sterilized penetrating element in order to transfer the solution through the penetrating element on the connector. Apparatus for such sterile transfer of a solution is also provided.
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Citations
10 Claims
- 1. A method for the sterile transfer of a solution from a first location associated with a penetrating element to a second location through a connector having an inlet, said method comprising maintaining said penetrating element and said inlet of said connector within a common bore, sterilizing said common bore by flowing a sterilizing solution around said common bore, penetrating said sterilized inlet by said sterilized penetrating element so as to transfer said solution from said first location to said second location through said connector, and sealing at least a portion of said sterilized common bore with said inlet of said connector during said penetrating step.
- 6. Apparatus for the sterile transfer of a solution from a first location associated with an inlet to said apparatus to a second location through a connector having an inlet, said apparatus comprising a housing defining a bore in fluid communication with said inlet, said connector being insertable into said bore, a penetrating element disposed within said bore, recirculation means for recirculating a sterilizing solution around said penetrating element and said inlet of said connector located within said bore, activation means for causing said penetrating element to penetrate said inlet of said connector within said bore, and sealing means for sealing a portion of said penetrating element and said inlet of said connector sterilized by said sterilizing solution, whereby said solution may be transferred from said first location to said second location.
Specification